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EP 26: Writing Your Own Story with Laura Belgray

Welcome to Do It Scared™ podcast! In every episode of this podcast, we’ll talk about how to face your fears, overcome obstacles, and create a life you love! Expert copywriter and thought leader Laura Belgray joins me today to talk about learning how to write your own story.

Laura is the founder of Talking Shrimp, an amazing copywriter and writing coach, and the co-creator of The Copy Cure with Marie Forleo. She’s one of the funniest, most down-to-earth people I know, and I think you’ll enjoy today’s entertaining and inspirational conversation about how she got to where she is now!

While Laura got an English degree, she had no idea what she would do with it and wasn’t originally intending to be a copywriter. In our conversation today, you’ll hear the path she took that ended up bringing her into the field, and how she used her humor to get hired even when she didn’t have directly applicable experience.

When they first met, Laura didn’t like Marie, who had a bouncy ponytail, perfect body, and peppy attitude. Eventually, Laura found out that Marie was actually sweet and friendly, and ended up liking her. The two became fast friends, and have since become business partners as well.

Laura will dig into it takes to figuratively write your own story as a person, and to create your own narrative. She points out that you don’t need to have your path figured out all along. Instead, sometimes it’s about trying new things and figuring it out as you go along. For her, being in business has been like driving at night and only seeing as far as the headlights go.

Tune into the episode to learn much more about all of these topics, as well as more! Laura talks about how her company ended up with its distinctive name Talking Shrimp, why she originally started a blog, the two best pieces of advice that Laura has ever received, and why a truth club is so important.

Want more of Laura? Head over to talkingshrimp.com/signupand sign up for her emails (they’ll inspire you to write better emails yourself).

Highlights

[04:53] – Laura gives a quick overview of who she is, how she got to where she is, and what makes her tick.[08:08] – We hear about what Laura went to school for, and take a brief detour into ‘90s fashion.[12:08] – Where did Laura go after beginning to work in advertising and learning what copywriting is?[19:55] – Laura talks about meeting and getting to know Marie Forleo, who she initially couldn’t stand.[23:22] – We hear more about Laura’s creative rut, and how she got out of it.[26:45] – Laura discusses her original decision to create a blog, and the pivotal role that Marie played in that choice.[29:07] – The internet is still like the Wild West, Laura and Ruth point out.[30:14] – What has made Laura so gifted at writing and what are her best tips to help others be as compelling?[32:45] – We hear more about how Laura has used her writing ability in unexpected ways as she has created her business.[37:45] – Laura talks about the role of having a “truth club” in creating and running her business.[40:28] – What’s the best piece of advice that Laura has ever received, and why?[44:01] – What is Laura working on now that has her fired up?[47:22] – Laura lists some places where listeners can find her to learn more or sign up for her newsletter.